Ronnie Dale Fletcher

Ronnie Dale Fletcher

Ronnie Dale Fletcher passed away early morning on July 30, 2016, in Hot Springs at the age of 64. Fletcher is known affectionately as "Rabbit" by family and friends. He was the son of the late Woodrow and Mary Ellen Fletcher, born April 13, 1952, at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro.

Fletcher also preceded in death by his brothers, Aubrey Ray Bunch, Lowell "Sonny" Fletcher, and sister, Billie Wanda Ceren.

Fletcher is survived by two sons and one daughter, Cody Dale Fletcher of Hot Springs, Cassidy Dale Blake Fletcher of Hot Springs, and Autumn Nicole Fletcher of Newark, Del.; a brother, Richard "Tom" Bunch of Oklahoma City, Okla; and sisters, Faye Bunch McLaughlin of Harrison, Carol Fletcher Lybarger (Michael) of Hot Springs and Kay Lynn Fletcher Parrish (Mark) of Monette; numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Fletcher graduated from Monette High School in 1970. He was an active member in FFA and played sports such as baseball, where he gained the nickname "Rabbit". After graduation, he followed his dreams, beginning his career in the horse racing industry. As an apprentice jockey he began to move up the ranks with John and Winnie Morgan, later becoming a journeyman. He went on to win over 600 races bringing in purse earnings surpassing $3.2 million. After retiring in 1997, he went on to work in several capacities within thoroughbred racing. Rabbit's connection and touch with horses was remarked upon time and time again. He had a God-given gift that was hard to duplicate and will be missed by many. As a teenager, he was baptized in the St. Francis River at Mangrum. He was a follower of Jesus Christ.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Friday August 5, at Gregg Funeral Home in Monette. Service will follow at 2 p.m., ending with a graveside service at Monette Memorial Cemetery.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Oaklawn Chapel in Hot Springs at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.

Memorials can be made in loving memory of Ronnie "Rabbit" Fletcher via GoFundMe.com and Simmons First Bank to the Autumn Fletcher Account-Memorial Fund. Proceeds will be donated to assist professional jockeys with future medical and burial cost in honor of Ronnie "Rabbit" Fletcher.

Online: www.mcnabbfuneralhomes.com